James M. Lucas, P.E.President

Profile

Jim Lucas is a solution-oriented problem solver dedicated to design excellence, integrity, and professional ethics. With more than 20 years’ experience in the architectural engineering industry, he has the expertise to tackle any challenge from small residential renovations to new multi-million dollar construction. In addition to his common sense approach to design, Jim uses the latest design tools to efficiently produce economical designs, resulting in competitive fees and quick response times. Jim holds a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering from Penn State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania.

Jim has designed projects of virtually every material and type for all types of clients. In addition to this broad range of work, he has the following specialized experience.

Manufacturing and Industry

Working around shifts and shutdown periods, following safety protocols, and accommodating continuously-evolving project scopes are a few of the many challenges Jim has successfully navigated in years of serving the industrial sector. He has extensive experience in industrial loadings, such as those from process equipment, conveyors, forklifts, and jib and overhead cranes.

Pre-engineered Buildings and Components

While these can be economical solutions, the contractor’s and manufacturer’s primary focus is to sell their product while protecting their business. With direct experience in the industry, Jim understands the manufacturer’s process and the limitations of their product and knowledge. As your advocate, he’ll help you define and communicate your needs in a way the manufacturer understands, streamlining the ordering process, preventing costly field modifications during construction, lessening headaches throughout the process, and, ultimately, producing a building that performs well for your planned use.

Publication

While employed as Engineering Manager at a steel joist manufacturing company, it came to Jim’s attention that the proper detailing of wind moment connections was widely misunderstood within the consulting engineering community. In response, Jim authored “Take a Few Moments to Do it Right,” which appeared in the November, 2006, issue of the industry periodical Structure. The article may be viewed here.